tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55225940005149053022017-02-08T20:46:33.616-08:00whiskey and womenmelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-44793192468973721902013-06-25T03:10:00.002-07:002013-06-25T03:10:59.996-07:00SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLEEver since I've moved to Seattle I honestly haven't had a single good night's rest. &nbsp;My friend who recently moved here (and by recent I mean 6 months) has said the same thing as well, and I don't know if it's my body simply rejecting the whole notion of a different time zone, or it's the fact that my anxiety levels always feel like they're peaking out for no reason, but regardless I always end up awake at a ridiculous hour and unable to force myself to sleep. &nbsp;Usually how it starts is that I'll wiggle around a little too much, wake myself, and then my brain goes 0 to 100 in .5 seconds and I'm literally ready to run a marathon. &nbsp;I bought a fan in hopes that white noise &amp; breeze will help the cause, with so-so results. The other day I actually put on lullabies to help me focus on something calm and quiet to trick myself to sleep. IT WORKED. Next thing I know I'll have to drink warm milk before bed and buy a stuffed animal. &nbsp;I think I just feel out of sorts still, but its already been 6 months here, I should be adjusted by now, right?! <br /><br />Guess not. &nbsp;Here's to another day of dark under eye circles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/megryan_crying.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/megryan_crying.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-36451300738082930942013-05-07T21:19:00.004-07:002013-05-07T21:19:47.748-07:00MEDIOCRITY!I'm sitting in a Sheraton somewhere in Maryland and so far I've discovered two things about myself:<br /><br />1. If I talk non-stop for anything over 45 minutes, I get really tired. Like, marathon tired.<br />2. Room service is<b><i> THE SHIT!</i></b>&nbsp;I can't believe I was a previous non-believer, of course I would like a bowl of berries and a glass of ice water delivered to my room so I can eat it in my bed, <i>NOW THAT IS AMAZING. &nbsp;</i>It's completely unnecessary, but come on, berries in bed while you waste life on the internet, that's perfect.<br /><br />Being on the East Coast feels comfortable even though I'm not even from Maryland. &nbsp;I'm just used to all this totally convenient suburbia that surrounds me. &nbsp;Although it's raining like crazy here all week, which is a cruel joke to play on me since Seattle is sunny and 70's this one week I'm gone. Rude.<br /><br />It's late and I should sleep so I can wake up the hotel people at 6:30 and order more berries and coffee. The perks of a mid-level corporate job.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-83316650918072386942013-04-29T22:05:00.002-07:002013-04-29T22:06:22.609-07:00-O_O-I feel like I've been over-caffeinated since 9am this morning, I really need to figure out how to get myself some kind of balance. Sip like a lady, don't chug!<br /><br />But I never just have some of anything, I always have all of it. I don't just drink 1 cup of coffee, it's 3. I never eat just 1 piece of chocolate, more like 15. &nbsp;I can't ever just buy one color of nail polish, I buy all of the colors, it's really ridiculous. &nbsp;I don't know if it's just my personality, that once I find something I like or of interest I latch onto it with my little squid tentacles until it dies. &nbsp;Although I will never not love chocolate, that love is undying. &nbsp;So maybe it's more like a weird tunnel vision, where all I see is that one thing and I get overly focused on it.<br /><br />or maybe I just like coffee.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/4bdb8966d0f127d2d3b51cece5d55d19/tumblr_mldsz9L5G51s9j8ldo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/4bdb8966d0f127d2d3b51cece5d55d19/tumblr_mldsz9L5G51s9j8ldo1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-31338299825204569472013-04-25T02:22:00.000-07:002013-04-25T02:22:35.815-07:00my mind's telling me no. and my body. my body's telling me hell no. so yesterday i thought it'd be a good idea to go to some kind of kick/jump/punchy gym class that made my out of shapeness so painfully obvious, and then chug 3 glasses of diet coke at around 9pm last night before bed. cut to me at 1:00 am with my entire body aching and the diet coke deciding to kick in at a really inconvenient time. my body is punishing me for consuming soda, so now i'm watching coachella youtube videos and daydreaming about vacations and a life with no responsibility. if that were the case, i'd do the following:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXYa1Z-FIu8/UXj0EKMjbPI/AAAAAAAABs4/V02r04aGoUQ/s1600/bots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXYa1Z-FIu8/UXj0EKMjbPI/AAAAAAAABs4/V02r04aGoUQ/s320/bots.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />after being spoiled with having my sister &amp; boyfriend here in the same week, i knew that i'd have to work extra hard to keep my spirits up in the time following. so far i just keep eating chocolate which isn't at all effective, but the sun's been out and work is busy so time passes in more of a shuffle rather than a crawl. <br /><br />right now i work in a cubicle that lives no where near any sort of window, it's kind of stuck within an island of other cubes and a stairwell door. but i wonder if i did have a window seat, would that make for a better work environment? or would i just stare out of the window all day wishing i was out there instead of sitting indoors, making me both unproductive&nbsp;<i>and</i> bitter? i think i'd breathe on the glass and draw inappropriate things.<br /><br /><b><i>so in conclusion;&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqQydiE9AtM/UXjzkABsMOI/AAAAAAAABsw/D5zT_nfZBtM/s1600/office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqQydiE9AtM/UXjzkABsMOI/AAAAAAAABsw/D5zT_nfZBtM/s320/office.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />now that i've watched the same video of postal service 5 times in a row i think i'll go back to sleep. <br /><br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-5333944235071788982013-04-12T20:37:00.000-07:002013-04-12T20:37:01.660-07:00i'm being watchedmy parents told me stop cursing on my blog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Fa4a4d9279d684023d448f9a0ef7f1f85%2Ftumblr_inline_micc6vf69S1qz4rgp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Fa4a4d9279d684023d448f9a0ef7f1f85%2Ftumblr_inline_micc6vf69S1qz4rgp.gif" /></a></div><br />I LOVE YOU MOM &amp; DAD!melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-50355982232197673942013-04-08T21:03:00.001-07:002013-04-08T21:03:54.880-07:00well vs goodi've mostly been moody and introspective lately, but today i felt okay! but in the glass half full as opposed to half empty "okay". i mean "okay" in the most positive and thumbs-up-y way, and i don't know if it's because it actually didn't rain today, or that my sister &amp; my boyfriend are <b>both</b> coming next week (!!!!!!!!!!), or that i'm going to my first show tomorrow since fucking ages, or that my boss wasn't at work today, or that i took a 2 hour lunch break (sorry i'm not sorry), but today was good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nR_d4vKfcWQ/UWOSWmvNTbI/AAAAAAAABsg/3FV10dd-zNI/s1600/curlyeyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nR_d4vKfcWQ/UWOSWmvNTbI/AAAAAAAABsg/3FV10dd-zNI/s320/curlyeyes.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br />literally me after i guzzled coffee today because my body is weak and easily affected. i can't handle it but i continue to do it.<br /><br /><br /><br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-78245027397032580412013-04-04T22:41:00.001-07:002013-04-04T22:41:53.317-07:00observationswet flowers smell so good in the rain<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kTGSmMiqlh8" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />i prefer the album recording of this song because the noise goes loud and soft at the perfect moments, but his mannerisms in the video are so exact as to how i can imagine the song being felt by the singer that i get hypnotized. &nbsp;i like when performers lose themselves in their music or craft or whatever it is they're performing. i like shows where the artist is closing their eyes really hard, or their hands are feeling around in the air, or they start rolling around on the ground, or gyrating to the sky. it feels vulnerable.<br /><br />either way, wonderful song.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-8179526971798260922013-04-02T20:56:00.000-07:002013-04-02T20:58:46.064-07:00head in the clouds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxJ-E8bhOH0/UVum-XsxzpI/AAAAAAAABsQ/vzComddb1Ag/s1600/clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxJ-E8bhOH0/UVum-XsxzpI/AAAAAAAABsQ/vzComddb1Ag/s320/clouds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>1. my entire life depends on spotify</i><br /><i>2. i enjoy making playlists</i><br /><br />it's no exaggeration that i spend 3/4 of my day listening to playlists i've made on spotify. &nbsp;one of my most favorite things hands down in the <b>entire</b> world is my half hour walk to work, because it's a small moment of sheer bliss with just me and my music and the quiet morning. &nbsp;i'd like the walk home as well, but there's way too much noise and people and noisy people. &nbsp;what i really hate is when someone walks the same speed as you on a skinny sidewalk, and as much as you speed up without running, they have the pace of a movie serial killer and forever remain by your side. until your cross the street even if you don't have to to avoid this maniacal power walking competition. which i do probably 3-4 times a week.<br /><br />i actually did this yesterday with a mom and her baby stroller. i crossed at the beginning of a block to beat her, and had to cross back over at the end of the <b>same</b> block because my apartment building was literally in the <u>middle</u>&nbsp;of this one stupid fucking block, which means i had to <b>walk back down</b> to get to my door. we intercepted at the end of the block. &nbsp;i regretted the whole thing. but i had my headphones on, so i was invincible to all judgement. <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">okay, playlists;</span><br /><br />different days require different playlists. for happy days, i listen to my "smize" mix (#tyra). for stormy days, i listen to "thunderclouds". and for days like today, where i'm foggy and sleepy and want to lay down on a giant beethoven-esque dog belly, i listen to my "dreamy" playlist. &nbsp;this is my favorite song on it. when i listen to it i tend to daydream and i stop paying attention to important things, like buses speeding towards me, or my boss calling my name.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NVkA5xm6gQ/UVumr_HswsI/AAAAAAAABsI/LnHGtXvQ0RU/s1600/bored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NVkA5xm6gQ/UVumr_HswsI/AAAAAAAABsI/LnHGtXvQ0RU/s320/bored.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ONIJXHvoynw" width="420"></iframe></div><br /><br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-12387686429229340432013-04-01T20:49:00.003-07:002013-04-01T20:50:04.882-07:00keep it downmy plan was to finish this book and <i>then</i> post about it, but every page i read i get more impatient to talk about it because I <i>really</i>&nbsp;like it. i keep trying to type up a short description of the book, but i can't seem to get it right, so here's the description from the jacket:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueiVITfoOT0/UVpUt5JvkRI/AAAAAAAABr8/GTf0rFY0QCI/s1600/quiet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueiVITfoOT0/UVpUt5JvkRI/AAAAAAAABr8/GTf0rFY0QCI/s320/quiet.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts—Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak-- that we owe many of the great contributions to society.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Quiet,&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts–from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Quiet&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.</span></span></i><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>now i'm sure that doesn't sound at all exciting, and possibly even self-helpish, but even before i knew this book existed i had been struggling with literally some of the exact things she discusses in this book. &nbsp;i don't want to get all deep about my social &amp; internal bullshit, but when i saw this book on the shelf it was literally glowing with sun rays beaming and angels flying. it's not a self help book, but an insanely interesting look at the evolution of social "normalities" and how sometimes our culture misses the quality of the person because they've come to value outspokeness &amp; charisma &amp; external glitter, even if there is little content there. it's amazing how workspaces, classrooms, literally everywhere, we've ripped down all our walls to aggressively promote team building and groupthink, while completely demolishing any opportunity for independent work and self-reflection.<br /><br />okay now i feel like i'm getting boring and preachy, but all i'm trying to say is that i highly recommend this book. the solitude that introverts need so they can recharge, the preference for quiet and independent work, i understand it. &nbsp;i'm not claiming to be an introvert, so everyone calm down, but just go read the book. this goes way past your wiki definition of introvert.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-27083021353186915112013-03-29T00:39:00.001-07:002013-03-29T00:39:52.501-07:002013 best ofi'm only halfway through the year, but i declare singing bjork's "it's oh so quiet" with my friend rachel as my favorite karaoke performance of the year. also, i'm picking chocolate out of my special k. thank you. or you're welcome.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/htobTBlCvUU" width="560"></iframe>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-29831320511313035292013-03-27T20:23:00.003-07:002013-03-27T20:24:26.848-07:00bad habits my entire life i've had this tendency to latch on to one song at a time, and listen to that one song on repeat for days on end until it turns into dead noise and i replace it with another. &nbsp;one would think that i would try some self-restraint, allow the song to live a little longer while i dabble in others, and <i>then</i> reach back to it, but i can't be stopped. sometimes i'm embarrassed that i do this, and i'll 'private session' my spotify so no one can see that i've listened to nancy sinatra 126 times in a row.<br /><br />which i have been doing for about 2 weeks now.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0f48fpoSEPU" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />the recent obsession is 'somethin' stupid,' a sweet little duet with ol' blue eyes that i listen to while i get ready in the morning, while i eat my breakfast, on my walk to work, sitting at my desk, going home, while i read, as i drift to sleep. i know, it's sick. &nbsp;i've even taken it upon myself to try and actually learn to sing it well, which only consists of me singing the lyrics off the internet and trying to match the pitch, which is hopeless. this is what happens when you live alone. i expect a parade of cats to come into my apartment any second and smother me to death.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/be505a2193f5eabb8e29dfde645762a4/tumblr_mgn9guUzNs1rgpyeqo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/be505a2193f5eabb8e29dfde645762a4/tumblr_mgn9guUzNs1rgpyeqo1_500.gif" width="189" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-4397521808611389682013-03-26T21:07:00.000-07:002013-03-26T21:09:23.379-07:00holy cow!it's been 100 years or so since i've posted on here, and if i dust off the history books, my last post was around the moment i moved life to stinky little delaware. since those quiet days where rent was cheap but friends were few, life has hop skipped and jumped me from philadelphia to seattle in a blink. and while seattle is many times over more full of life than delaware, i'm finding myself at a point of always asking "so what next?"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRiJjXx0o8c/UVJt0WgYHQI/AAAAAAAABqs/9wgOwvM2AwQ/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRiJjXx0o8c/UVJt0WgYHQI/AAAAAAAABqs/9wgOwvM2AwQ/s320/photo-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />my mind is always all at once overwhelmed and then bored, so in attempt to give myself a bit more focus (whatever that means), i've been trying to learn more and see more and hopefully at some consequence, feel more? or maybe just feel different.<br /><br />step 1. read more<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7oe3hGvg5I/UVJwFndWs6I/AAAAAAAABrA/df5IgbG80oE/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7oe3hGvg5I/UVJwFndWs6I/AAAAAAAABrA/df5IgbG80oE/s320/book.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />i just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/After-Visiting-Friends-Sons-Story/dp/1451676565" target="_blank">"after visiting friends"</a> by <a href="http://theselby.com/galleries/michael-hainey-brooke-cundiff/" target="_blank">michael hainey</a>, which i really only heard about because i read gq, and the author is the deputy editor (who i stalk on the sly via men's blogs). every word felt so careful and thoughtful and i didn't begin reading expecting anything in particular because i knew very little about it initially, but i'm glad that i picked it up. the whole time i felt nostalgic as i read it, which doesn't make sense since i have no ties to the story or the time period, but i could so easily create the images in my head that i felt close to the feelings. if that makes sense. it also opened up a can of worms in my mind about mortality and the swiftness of death, but like my boyfriend often tells me after i see movies or read stories that put me in a mood, "it's good to feel weird."<br /><br />i probably shouldn't grade books because i have no authority, and i usually like everything, but i'll say "after visiting friends" is an A.<br /><br />melinda, you should read the book and then give a proper assessment, since i'm putting uneducated opinions out in the world.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-87150424492390739652011-12-29T06:52:00.000-08:002011-12-29T06:52:46.811-08:00Saturday Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NAyB7rGyS2w" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Can't get enough of this.<br /><br /></div>melinda suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18396205893188273070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-65126068770987206102011-12-08T11:25:00.001-08:002011-12-08T12:57:58.781-08:00Cowichan Sweater<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCh13HrVXmo/TuENwPjiTvI/AAAAAAAAAX0/svwO-9bl5Js/s1600/reindeer+sweater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCh13HrVXmo/TuENwPjiTvI/AAAAAAAAAX0/svwO-9bl5Js/s320/reindeer+sweater.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />So, I did it. I made that quintessential <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/knitted_reindeer_jackets_for_him_and_her.php">kitschy sweater</a> that seems to solidify knitterly dorkdom, but whatever. I love this thing.<br /><br />It took me almost a year to make, even though it really only took a couple days. It's just that there were those months in between those days during which no effort was being put into this sweater. I even got to the point where I was considering just using the yarn for some other knitting project--I lost my way. But only for a little bit. Somehow I got back on the right path towards this cowichan sweater.<br /><br />And I have this thing where I like to reflect on what I was doing/what I was thinking when I made one project or another. So for this, here are the sweater shoutouts, without which none of this would be possible.<br />1. Thanksgiving vacation from work, including the bus ride down to my parents' house.<br />2. <a href="http://www.radiolab.org/">Radiolab</a><br />3. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howl's_Moving_Castle_(film)">Howl's Moving Castle</a><br />4. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marwencol">Marwencol</a><br />5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Brown-Christmas-Recording-Television/dp/B000000XDJ">A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Soundtrack</a></div>melinda suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18396205893188273070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-37585746544141541502011-08-22T19:38:00.000-07:002011-08-22T20:02:17.533-07:00best week ever. seriously.<div>i can't remember the last time i've taken a vacation, but good lawd have i been missing out. getting in real family time, meeting the sweetest baby girl in the history of all baby girls, eating filipino food till i die, running pointless errands (which i love doing). i've got workaholic roots, but if i could vacation every month i'd be the happiest little clam. so in absolutely the wrong order, a series of photos from the best week ever. </div><div>
<br /></div>1. this week was mostly the best ever because my sister gave birth to literally the most adorable baby i've ever set eyes on. i am not being biased, it is a fact that this baby is the cutest in the world. my sister is amazing. this baby is amazing. both are understatements. <div>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-3vsi6Hjng/TlMTRQEPdYI/AAAAAAAABqc/Wqw0BFliHFk/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-3vsi6Hjng/TlMTRQEPdYI/AAAAAAAABqc/Wqw0BFliHFk/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875945116824962" /></a>2. my dog has gotten fatter. it's true. but i still love her and her snoring. this is her hiding from my sisters dog, who has way more energy than my little fatty. </div><div>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-do84MtiKLeE/TlMTRBUJLuI/AAAAAAAABqU/w03kbIfCPYA/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-do84MtiKLeE/TlMTRBUJLuI/AAAAAAAABqU/w03kbIfCPYA/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875941156990690" /></a>3. TUMMY TIME IS THE BEST TIME. i can't even look at this picture, its just too fucking cute. </div><div>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x50zmFPsevI/TlMTRBkTE6I/AAAAAAAABqM/sEHmEo9OH0A/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x50zmFPsevI/TlMTRBkTE6I/AAAAAAAABqM/sEHmEo9OH0A/s320/IMG_0311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875941224747938" /></a>4. in all the hustle and bustle of the week, i managed to rip myself away for a day trip to richmond, because good god i've missed it more than i ever thought i would. my heart literally aches for this place, so when i was driving around the streets i know like the back of my hand, i was happy, heartbroken, and excited all at the same time. oh richmond. there really aren't any words. </div><div>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-Op9CZr6M4/TlMTGmz7zaI/AAAAAAAABqE/PyyTYSPREV8/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-Op9CZr6M4/TlMTGmz7zaI/AAAAAAAABqE/PyyTYSPREV8/s320/IMG_0315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875762243882402" /></a>5. ube shakes! all for me! syke. because they're terrible for you. but the one i did have was as amazing as anticipated, and next time i will get the tapioca pearls. because wtf was i thinking saying no to the tapioca pearls. </div><div>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HygR9ZxbkCk/TlMTGpo4XXI/AAAAAAAABp8/RmfutPd8KSs/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HygR9ZxbkCk/TlMTGpo4XXI/AAAAAAAABp8/RmfutPd8KSs/s320/IMG_0304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875763002826098" /></a>6. i walked into my closet today and noticed that 90% of my shoes are black. which is fantastic, considering this month i've accumulated three more pairs of black shoes. flats, small heels, and bigger heels. what? I NEEDED THEM.</div><div>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtegrE7rVYQ/TlMTGQyovMI/AAAAAAAABp0/ZaUNRj5L6FE/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtegrE7rVYQ/TlMTGQyovMI/AAAAAAAABp0/ZaUNRj5L6FE/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875756332858562" /></a>7. okay, are you kidding me? look at this face. actually, look at those cheeks. actually, don't, because you're face might melt off from all the cuteness hitting you at once. </div><div>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg3QBZhR82g/TlMTGdwJITI/AAAAAAAABps/mz010Gbbhno/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg3QBZhR82g/TlMTGdwJITI/AAAAAAAABps/mz010Gbbhno/s320/IMG_0302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875759812059442" /></a>8. filipino food can be so so wrong, but really, who cares. because cooked blood is delicious, and filipino food tastes like home, and even if uncle whoever is causing deafness in my right ear from his karaoke ballads, i'd rather be sitting in that hot little restaurant eating this food than eat anywhere else. </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsOeL4QcN5w/TlMTGAYKyZI/AAAAAAAABpk/P_dtFcKGvnY/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsOeL4QcN5w/TlMTGAYKyZI/AAAAAAAABpk/P_dtFcKGvnY/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875751926876562" /></a>vacations are rad.</div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-48436313614412595232011-07-11T17:53:00.000-07:002011-07-11T18:00:44.791-07:00sisters!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZWLCutvrWs/Thub70u_0UI/AAAAAAAABpc/6XnKjOsWdVQ/s1600/sisters.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZWLCutvrWs/Thub70u_0UI/AAAAAAAABpc/6XnKjOsWdVQ/s400/sisters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628263611399917890" /></a>i had a fantastic getaway to d.c. this weekend, where i took this pic with my sis. after a long, sweaty, hustly bustly day, there was nothing better than sitting in this perfect restaurant, drinking a perfect smoothie, and eating perfect sandwiches. i miss it already.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-65068181327845698552011-06-12T14:50:00.000-07:002011-06-12T16:50:29.605-07:00Strawberry Loves LemonThe popsicle madness in my life is apparently just beginning! And I guess it's the right time, as there's inspiration everywhere. Avocado popsicles sound so <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/06/avocado-popsicles.html">refreshing</a>, and I can't wait for peach season to start so I can make <a href="http://lifeaccordingtocelia.blogspot.com/2011/05/peachsicles.html">these</a> (I <i>could</i> just go to the store, but peaches straight from a farm taste infinitely better). In the meantime, I happened to have a whole bag of lemons and a pint of strawberries. Out of that came:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6XJuyrbohY/TfU1nkR-Q8I/AAAAAAAAAXw/SpsbCqUMXLQ/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6XJuyrbohY/TfU1nkR-Q8I/AAAAAAAAAXw/SpsbCqUMXLQ/s320/IMG_2153.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617455064084792258" /></a><a href="http://passthesushi.com/strawberry-lemonade-popsicles">strawberry lemonade popsicles</a> consumed for breakfast (note the epic morning light!)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x24NMJh3FAg/TfU1bltES6I/AAAAAAAAAXo/gbSXAVq3v-I/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x24NMJh3FAg/TfU1bltES6I/AAAAAAAAAXo/gbSXAVq3v-I/s320/IMG_2161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617454858308438946" /></a>and a sweet little glass of <a href="http://www.vegetarianfamilytable.com/photo/homemade-strawberry-lemonade/">strawberry lemonade</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div>melinda suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18396205893188273070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-52135859329080443272011-06-08T14:47:00.000-07:002011-06-09T01:19:16.983-07:00FRESH<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Wzt6u7eyTE/Te_yVUdGQhI/AAAAAAAAAXY/mpxNHbhJ_hc/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Wzt6u7eyTE/Te_yVUdGQhI/AAAAAAAAAXY/mpxNHbhJ_hc/s400/IMG_2149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615973708436226578" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I am in full-on summer mode. Got myself:</div><ul><li>a shorts tan from all the outside strolling</li><li>a month pass to the swimming pool (after that I'll be in Arlington, so I'll have to hunt down a pool there)</li><li><a href="http://www.kiehls.com/Creme-de-Corps-Light-Weight-Body-Lotion-SPF-30/679,default,pd.html?start=9&amp;cgid=body-moisturizers">SPF</a> <a href="http://www.kiehls.com/Sun-Care/face-sun-care,default,sc.html">everything</a>!</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-80-8003Y-Yellow-Groovy-Molds/dp/B000G32H3Y">popsicle molds</a> and some <a href="http://passthesushi.com/strawberry-lemonade-popsicles">recipes</a> at the <a href="http://gimmesomeoven.com/creamy-lemon-popsicles/">ready</a> (yup, that's a creamsicle pop made with some O.J., Greek yogurt, and honey)</li><li>new <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/franco-sarto-gia-sandal/3149395?origin=category&amp;resultback=1500">sandals</a> to go trekking through yo' lawn!</li></ul>melinda suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18396205893188273070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-70352048534327981182011-06-01T19:25:00.000-07:002011-06-01T19:45:24.754-07:00New and OldSoon I'll be heading out of this town I've called home for the last ten years and rooting myself in a busy little city two hours further north. I'm nervous and excited and am already plotting how to make my experience there the kind I want it to be. My first step towards building a home is finding a home. High rises make me anxious, so those are out. Actual houses are maybe a bit too much responsibility right now (not to mention a little out of the budget), so those are out as well. So in comes this:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4ZqYFenAlI/Teb2tnMVFuI/AAAAAAAAAXE/60Hfz3E3Zwc/s1600/2104.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4ZqYFenAlI/Teb2tnMVFuI/AAAAAAAAAXE/60Hfz3E3Zwc/s400/2104.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613445249039144674" /></a>Thank God for garden apartments. I'm hoping it all works out and that I haven't just cursed myself, but if it does work out and the curse didn't stick, then more pictures will be coming in the future.<div><br />Now for the old. Or the newer-ish stuff from an old favorite (or old favorites--Michael Jackson and Little Wings).<br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f9ziTjjr5Q8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>melinda suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18396205893188273070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-48348807788283539632011-05-07T17:04:00.000-07:002011-05-07T17:07:03.659-07:00yea!how is <a href="http://www.yesstyle.com/en/home.html">this</a> website even fair. if you put any kind of clothing on a tiny, adorable, asian girl, of COURSE i'm going to buy it, with the rationale of "if i buy this, i will look like this." MAKE IT STOP!<div><br /></div><div>http://www.yesstyle.com/en/home.html</div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-20951170163105002202011-05-06T19:55:00.001-07:002011-05-06T20:05:06.437-07:00i'm just trying to be cool, cool, coolwhen i first heard this song, i was all like "uh uh, oh hellz no, this is all kinds of mess that i can't understand." <div><br /></div><div><iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZGdZqV7k0qM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>fast forward to a recent am shift where my coworker has his ipod in, this song kicks in, i perk up for a second and realize i actually really, really like it. i don't know what happened, but i guess hearing it in the morning, with no one around me to judge, just bouncin along to an irresistibly cute hook, made me realize, hey, it's not so bad. this song has so many haters ( i was one ), but seriously, how can you even deny this catchy shit. you know you're going to rewind this after it plays out. just let it happen. haters gonna hate. </div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-15492108995622119272011-04-30T14:35:00.000-07:002011-04-30T14:48:05.894-07:00lately<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sPsa6APOyU/TbyA63dQEQI/AAAAAAAABpQ/IvY0c6tadrI/s1600/photo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div>table jukebox in a small, filthy little diner. we expected amazing things, but were met with complete awfulness in a sea of grumpy old people. initially i stuck some coins in and played 'my guy' by mary wells, and then in spite of the stinky old diner and the stinky old people, i played 'teenage dream,' and 'back that ass up.' both of which provided a satisfying awkward feeling across the whole restaurant. it's the little things. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sPsa6APOyU/TbyA63dQEQI/AAAAAAAABpQ/IvY0c6tadrI/s1600/photo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sPsa6APOyU/TbyA63dQEQI/AAAAAAAABpQ/IvY0c6tadrI/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601493785349460226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>opening ceremony can do no wrong. also, i never thought i could be into a guy with neck tattoos, but this awkwardly skinny babe proves me wrong. also, this song is my new spring/summer jam. </div><div><br /></div><div><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/16682470?title=0&amp;portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/16682470">Une Pomme Est Une Pomme</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/openingceremony">Opening Ceremony</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></div><div><br /></div><div>oh, and, step clap go! is totally cute. opening ceremony, plz adopt me. i want to be a part of all you do. </div><div><br /></div><div><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20853149?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20853149">Step, Clap, Go!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/openingceremony">Opening Ceremony</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></div><div><br /></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-66808258647678502982011-04-22T15:10:00.001-07:002011-04-22T15:11:38.655-07:00PAAARRRTYYYYokay, so i love the song, but this video is FUCKING AMAZING. caps lock required. i need to find the 22 minute version, because i love just the 5 minutes already.<div><br /></div><div><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:644573" width="512" height="319" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="configParams=id%3D1518071%26vid%3D644573%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A644573" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="."></embed><div style="margin:0px;padding:4px;width:500px;text-align:center;font-family:Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/beastie_boys/artist.jhtml" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">Beastie Boys</a> - <a href="http://www.vh1.com/video/beastie-boys/644573/make-some-noise.jhtml" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">Make Some Noise</a> - <a href="http://www.vh1.com/video/music.jhtml" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">Free Music Videos</a> - <a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/series/top_20_countdown" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">Top Songs</a></div></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-66165734221038851712011-04-21T17:54:00.000-07:002011-04-21T18:05:31.945-07:00ze lottotoday was one of those days where all things just turned out absolutely perfect. i had a half day at work, the morning which was spent sitting in a meeting gussied up in new jersey, the weather was amazing which i actually got to enjoy whilst walking around downtown, where i happened upon a tasty bakery, a total magazine heaven/ hole in the wall, found my beloved kombucha which i've missed so much, as well as a pretty good asian grocery store! i also had time to fancy up my apartment AND have a delicious home cooked dinner! all in all, an amazingly perfect day. now im sitting here with a goopy mint mask on my face, reading through my magazine treasures and feeling pretty dang good. i feel bad for not having taken more pictures lately through all my adventures, but i think ill start up again, esp since my iphone makes it all so much easier. but for now, just some new music i'm listening to<div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OSai5klswws" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y-oHjdDogkQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>ALSO. i won on one of those scratch of lottery things! two dollars! :) i find that it doesn't really matter how much you won, it's just that you won at all.</div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5522594000514905302.post-74158880302137410542011-03-27T07:12:00.000-07:002011-03-27T07:24:03.844-07:00that's whyylife has been nuts lately. but i baked a batch of blueberry muffins perfectly this morning, started up some laundry thats smelling up the place something nice, and i'm finally starting to find a little bit of consistency.<div><br /></div><div> this song always made me think of a very specific part of my life. it was a fun part of my life, but i always find that for me, reminiscing (regardless of good or bad) is always a bit heartbreaking. but this pumped up remix makes me listen to it in a different light. </div><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yY3qUWfv3qU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157238448123890390noreply@blogger.com0